Cary's July 4 fireworks are at Koka Booth Amphitheatre over Symphony Lake. In 2026 gates opened at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9:25 p.m. Lawn free.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Updated each year: this page describes the July 2026 celebration and will be refreshed in place when the town announces 2027 details. Facts come from the Town of Cary’s Independence Day events page.

The 2027 details have not been announced. Here is how Cary celebrated in 2026, America’s 250th anniversary year, according to the town’s Independence Day page.

Who to call

  • Town events: Cary 311, or 919-469-4000 from outside town limits
  • Koka Booth Amphitheatre: 8003 Regency Parkway, 919-462-2025, boothamphitheatre.com
  • Road conditions: DriveNC.gov or 511

The fireworks: Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Cary Presents: Independence Day Celebration was Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

  • Gates: 6 p.m.
  • Fireworks: 9:25 p.m., over Symphony Lake.
  • Admission: the general admission lawn was free and needed no ticket. A limited number of reserved table seats with parking were sold.
  • Program: patriotic activities for children, a reading by North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, and “Well, I Declare,” a reading of the Declaration of Independence with music by actor Mike Wiley and singer-songwriter Dawn Landis, from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m.

The town warned that a table gives a view of the stage but not necessarily the fireworks, which the tree canopy, the stage or other structures can block. Parking rules change by event at the amphitheater and are posted on each event page.

More Fourth of July events in 2026

When What Where
July 3, 4 to 10 p.m. July 3 celebration: games, a mist zone, crafts, food trucks and an “Independence Day” movie screening Downtown Cary Park
July 3, 7:30 p.m. Cary Town Band’s America’s 250th Anniversary Patriotic Celebration Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave.
July 4, 8 to 11 a.m. Independence Day Fishing Tournament, all ages; registration at 7 a.m. Bond Park Boathouse
July 18-25 The American Revolution Experience, a free exhibit Gathering House, Downtown Cary Park

At the amphitheater

From Koka Booth Amphitheatre’s visitor rules:

  • Accessible parking: a limited accessible lot is free with a disability plate or hang tag, first come, first served.
  • Shuttles: for select events, a free shuttle runs from the Chiesi USA parking lot to the venue; check the event page each year.
  • Tailgating: only at the rear of your vehicle, with no tents, canopies, grills or open flames in the venue’s lots.
  • After the show: cars parked incorrectly or left overnight may be ticketed or towed if not moved by 9 a.m. the next day.
  • Rideshare: use the drop-off zone at 11000 Regency Parkway.

Getting there

Koka Booth Amphitheatre is at 8003 Regency Parkway. Check DriveNC for road work on US 1 before you go, and see our getting around Cary guide.

What this means for you

  • Watch this page and the town’s events page in early summer for the 2027 times.
  • Bring blankets or chairs for the free lawn; arrive early for a good spot.
  • Prefer a smaller crowd? The July 3 party downtown runs into the evening.

More: things to do in Cary this month.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Fourth of July fireworks in Cary?

The Town of Cary’s Independence Day celebration and fireworks are at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, with the fireworks over Symphony Lake.

What time are Cary’s July 4 fireworks?

In 2026, gates opened at 6 p.m. July 4 and the fireworks began at 9:25 p.m., according to the town. The 2027 times had not been announced when we checked.

Do you need tickets for Cary’s July 4 celebration?

No. General admission on the lawn was free and did not need a ticket in 2026. A limited number of reserved tables with parking were sold.

What else does Cary do for the Fourth of July?

In 2026 the town also held a July 3 party at Downtown Cary Park, 4 to 10 p.m., a Cary Town Band concert at the Cary Arts Center and a July 4 fishing tournament at the Bond Park boathouse.